Frequently Asked Questions

Take a pregnancy test after you've missed your period for the most accurate results. Most home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy hormones (hCG) about 1-2 weeks after conception, but waiting until after a missed period reduces the chance of false negatives.

If you have irregular periods, wait at least 3 weeks after unprotected intercourse. For the most accurate results, take the test with your first morning urine when hCG levels are most concentrated.

Schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you discover you're pregnant, ideally between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. This allows your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy, estimate your due date, and begin important screenings and health assessments.

If you have chronic health conditions, take medications, or have a history of pregnancy complications, schedule your appointment even earlier to discuss necessary adjustments to your care plan.

Take a prenatal vitamin containing at least 400-800 mcg of folic acid, 27 mg of iron, 1000 mg of calcium, and 600 IU of vitamin D. Folic acid is especially important in early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.

Start taking prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive if possible. If you can't tolerate regular prenatal vitamins due to nausea, ask your healthcare provider about alternatives like gummy vitamins or different formulations.

Avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish high in mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish), unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs, and alcohol. Limit caffeine to less than 200mg per day (about 1 cup of coffee).

Also avoid:

• Deli meats unless heated until steaming hot
• Raw sprouts
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk
• Raw or undercooked seafood

Yes, morning sickness affects about 70-80% of pregnant women, typically starting around 6 weeks and improving by 12-14 weeks. Despite the name, symptoms can occur at any time of day.

Contact your healthcare provider if you can't keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, lose weight, or show signs of dehydration. Severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) may require medical treatment.

Gender can typically be determined via ultrasound between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy during the anatomy scan. Some healthcare providers may be able to determine gender as early as 15-16 weeks, but accuracy improves with gestational age.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can determine gender as early as 9-10 weeks with high accuracy. However, this test is primarily performed for genetic screening, not solely for gender determination.

First-time mothers typically feel fetal movement (quickening) between 18-22 weeks, while mothers who have been pregnant before may feel movement as early as 16 weeks. Early movements feel like flutters, gas bubbles, or gentle tapping.

Movement patterns become more regular and stronger after 28 weeks. If you haven't felt movement by 22 weeks or notice decreased movement after it's been established, contact your healthcare provider.

Weight gain recommendations depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI:

• Underweight (BMI <18.5): 28-40 pounds
• Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): 25-35 pounds
• Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): 15-25 pounds
• Obese (BMI ≥30): 11-20 pounds

For twins, add 5-10 pounds to these recommendations. Weight gain should be gradual, with most occurring in the second and third trimesters.

Pregnancy cravings and aversions are likely caused by hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of estrogen and hCG. These changes can alter your sense of taste and smell, making certain foods more or less appealing.

While occasional indulgence in cravings is fine, focus on maintaining a balanced diet. If you crave non-food items (pica), contact your healthcare provider as this may indicate nutritional deficiencies.

Typical prenatal appointment schedule for low-risk pregnancies:

• Weeks 6-28: Every 4 weeks
• Weeks 28-36: Every 2 weeks
• Weeks 36-40: Weekly
• After 40 weeks: Twice weekly

High-risk pregnancies may require more frequent monitoring. Your healthcare provider will adjust the schedule based on your individual needs and any complications that arise.

Mild headaches are common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and fatigue. They often improve in the second trimester as hormone levels stabilize.

Seek medical attention for severe headaches, especially if accompanied by vision changes, severe nausea, or swelling, as these may indicate preeclampsia. Avoid aspirin and limit acetaminophen use to what your healthcare provider recommends.

Screening tests assess the probability that your baby has certain conditions but don't provide a definitive diagnosis. Examples include first trimester screening and cell-free DNA testing.

Diagnostic tests provide definitive answers about specific conditions but carry a small risk of miscarriage. Examples include amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Diagnostic tests are typically recommended after abnormal screening results.

Fatigue is extremely common, especially in the first and third trimesters. Early pregnancy fatigue is caused by rising progesterone levels, increased metabolic demands, and physical changes. Later pregnancy fatigue results from carrying extra weight and sleep disruption.

Combat fatigue by getting adequate sleep, eating small frequent meals, staying hydrated, and exercising moderately. Severe fatigue may indicate anemia, so discuss persistent exhaustion with your healthcare provider.

Most women can safely exercise during pregnancy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.

Avoid contact sports, activities with fall risk, scuba diving, and exercising in hot, humid conditions. Stop exercising and consult your healthcare provider if you experience chest pain, dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, or decreased fetal movement.

At 20 weeks, your baby is about the size of a banana, measuring approximately 6.5 inches from head to bottom and weighing about 10 ounces. All major organs are formed and functioning, and the baby has developed fingerprints and footprints.

The baby can hear sounds, including your heartbeat and voice, and may respond to loud noises with movement. Hair is beginning to grow, and the baby's skin is developing protective layers.

Braxton Hicks contractions are "practice" contractions that prepare your uterus for labor. They typically start in the second trimester and become more frequent as pregnancy progresses. They're usually irregular, painless to mildly uncomfortable, and stop with rest or position changes.

Contact your healthcare provider if contractions become regular (every 10 minutes or less), increasingly painful, or are accompanied by bleeding, fluid leakage, or severe back pain.

Yes, fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support fetal brain development. Aim for 2-3 servings per week of low-mercury fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, and trout.

Avoid high-mercury fish including shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week. Ensure all fish is fully cooked to 145°F to prevent foodborne illness.

During an ultrasound, a technician applies gel to your abdomen and uses a transducer to create images of your baby using sound waves. The procedure is painless and safe, with no known risks to mother or baby.

Early ultrasounds may be performed transvaginally for better visualization. Ultrasounds can confirm pregnancy, estimate due dates, check fetal growth, assess anatomy, and determine baby's position. Most women have 2-3 ultrasounds during pregnancy.

Pregnancy hormones relax the muscle that normally prevents stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus also puts pressure on the stomach, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Manage heartburn by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, not lying down immediately after eating, and sleeping with your head elevated. Antacids are generally safe during pregnancy, but consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications.

Light spotting in early pregnancy can be normal (implantation bleeding), but any bleeding should be reported to your healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention for heavy bleeding, bleeding with cramping, or bleeding in the second or third trimester.

Other concerning symptoms include severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, or passing tissue. While not all bleeding indicates a problem, it's always better to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The fetal heart begins beating around 5-6 weeks of pregnancy, though it may not be detectable via ultrasound until 6-7 weeks. The heart rate is typically very fast, ranging from 120-180 beats per minute.

By 8-10 weeks, the heart rate can usually be heard with a handheld Doppler device during prenatal appointments. Hearing the heartbeat is often an exciting milestone for expectant parents and provides reassurance about the baby's well-being.

Aim for about 10 cups (2.3 liters) of fluids daily during pregnancy, with water being the best choice. Increased fluid needs support the expansion of blood volume, amniotic fluid production, and help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

Increase intake if you're exercising, in hot weather, or experiencing vomiting. Signs of adequate hydration include pale yellow urine and urinating regularly. Avoid excessive amounts, which can lead to water intoxication.

Yes, constipation affects up to 40% of pregnant women due to hormonal changes that slow digestion and the pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines. Iron supplements can also contribute to constipation.

Prevent and treat constipation by increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and using a footstool while on the toilet. Stool softeners are generally safe during pregnancy, but consult your healthcare provider before use.

Early signs of labor include regular contractions that increase in intensity and frequency, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, and possibly your water breaking or losing your mucus plug.

True labor contractions don't stop with rest or position changes and typically follow a pattern (such as every 5 minutes for an hour). Contact your healthcare provider when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour, or if your water breaks.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacteria that about 25% of pregnant women carry in their vagina or rectum without symptoms. While harmless to adults, it can cause serious infections in newborns if passed during delivery.

All pregnant women are tested between 36-38 weeks. If positive, antibiotics during labor significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. The test involves swabbing the vagina and rectum and is quick and painless.

Mild swelling (edema) in hands, feet, and ankles is normal during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It's caused by increased blood volume, pressure from the growing uterus, and hormonal changes that cause fluid retention.

Reduce swelling by elevating your feet, avoiding standing for long periods, wearing compression stockings, and staying hydrated. Sudden or severe swelling, especially in the face and hands, may indicate preeclampsia and requires immediate medical attention.

Most women can travel safely during pregnancy, with the second trimester (14-28 weeks) being the ideal time. Avoid travel after 36 weeks for domestic flights and after 32-35 weeks for international flights.

When traveling: stay hydrated, move regularly during long trips, wear seatbelts properly, and carry prenatal records. Avoid destinations with Zika virus, high altitudes above 8,000 feet, or areas requiring certain vaccinations. Always consult your healthcare provider before travel plans.

Pregnancy terms are now classified as:

• Early term: 37-38 weeks and 6 days
• Full term: 39-40 weeks and 6 days
• Late term: 41 weeks to 41 weeks and 6 days
• Post-term: 42 weeks and beyond

Babies born at 39-40 weeks have the best outcomes, as important organ development continues throughout the third trimester.

Moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200mg per day) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. This equals about one 12-ounce cup of coffee or two cups of tea per day.

Excessive caffeine intake has been linked to increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Remember that caffeine is also found in chocolate, soda, energy drinks, and some medications. Consider switching to decaffeinated alternatives to reduce intake.

Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks. Essential items include:

• Insurance cards and ID
• Birth plan and prenatal records
• Comfortable going-home clothes (maternity size)
• Nursing bras and comfortable underwear
• Toiletries and personal items
• Baby's going-home outfit (newborn and 0-3 month sizes)
• Car seat (properly installed)
• Phone chargers and camera

Leg cramps, especially in the calves, are common during pregnancy and typically worsen at night. They may be caused by calcium or magnesium deficiency, increased weight, reduced circulation, or pressure from the growing uterus on blood vessels.

Prevent cramps by staying hydrated, stretching your calf muscles before bed, wearing supportive shoes, and avoiding pointing your toes. When a cramp occurs, flex your foot and massage the muscle. Discuss persistent or severe cramps with your healthcare provider.